In 1881, Julius August Kalmar founded Kalmar, a Viennese company that produced handcrafted objects of cast bronze. Kalmar developed a fine reputation and exhibited internationally often, but it was Kalmar’s son, Julius Theodor Kalmar, who took over in 1913 and made the company shine with its modernist lighting.
Having studied at the Birmingham School of Art and Design and under the Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann at the Vienna School of Applied Arts, Julius was deeply inspired by the shift to modernity taking place in Europe and sought to work with the leading architects and designers of his time, including Austrian Werkbund architects Josef Frank and Oskar Wlach as well as Ernst Plischke, Clemens Holzmeister and Oswald Haerdtl. Similar to the Wiener Werkstätte cooperative cofounded by Hoffmann that prized materials, form and function, Kalmar viewed his company’s lighting fixtures as “quite humble things” meant to “fit in and serve their purpose of functionally illuminating spaces without glare.”
In 1925, Kalmar began selling in Haus und Garten, the forward-looking decor shop founded by Frank and Wlach. By 1931, a close partnership with the Austrian Werkbund association of architects, artists and craftsmen allowed the company to realize its vision of early 20th-century modernity — a distinctly Viennese pairing of traditional workmanship with contemporary technology. These collaborations included chandeliers and other fixtures using traditional materials such as glass, bronze and brass while focusing on function over ornamentation. As the company grew, so too did the scope of its projects, and soon Kalmar was installing extravagant chandeliers for the Vienna Opera, the Burgtheater, Vienna stock exchange and other sites.
Under the guidance of Rudolf Calice, Julius Theodor Kalmar’s son-in-law, the 1960s saw Kalmar’s popularity grow, thanks in part to the success of more decorative pieces like the ice-glass fixtures created with Austrian sculptor Karl Gruber. Thomas Calice, the great-grandson of Kalmar’s founder, led the company in the 1990s and its expansion to international lighting projects while shifting away from serial production. In 2009, Thomas’s son August Chalice established Kalmar Werkstätten to produce fixtures that reference the Kalmar archives but also feature updates on the iconic designs. Kalmar continues to produce bespoke fixtures while also working on custom lighting projects around the world, from cruise ships to the Burj Khalifa.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Kalmar lighting that includes wall lights, floor lamps and other fixtures.
Kalmar Sputnik Pendant Light Chandelier 'Rs 27', Aluminum Glass, 1970, 1 of 4
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of four large 27-arm atomic chandeliers or pendant lights model 'RS 27 Kugel HL' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The...
Aluminum, Chrome, Nickel
Large Murano Glass Sconces, CEO, designed by Carlo Nason, Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A rare and exceptional pair of wall lights, model CEO, by Kalmar, Austria, crafted in the midcentury period (1970s). Designed by Carlo Nason. These striking lights feature interlock...
Metal
1 of 3 Kalmar Large Vintage Mid-Century 1970s Mazzega Glass Wall Lights Sconces
By Carlo Nason, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
One of three Kalmar large & elegant vintage Mid-Century Modern Austrian made Murano glass wall lights., lamps or sconces, made circa 1970. The light / sconce features a large han...
Metal, Brass
Mid Century Massive Textured Glass Flush Mount or Wall Light by Kalmar, 60s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Lucija, SI
High quality Mid Century flush mount Lamp, with massive textured glass, was made by Kalmar Austria in '60s. The lamp can be used as a ceiling or as a wall lamp. Very special piece....
Aluminum
$2,938 / set
Pair of Kalmar Ice Glass Wall Sconces, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of ice glass Kalmar wall sconces. Each one is composed by two pieces of ice glass blocks placed on a metal base. This pair of sconces is in excellent condition and they have be...
Steel, Metal
J.T. Kalmar Palazzo Flush Mount Chandelier Gold Brass Glass Lamp, Austria, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
J.T. Kalmar Palazzo flush mount chandelier gold brass glass lamp, Austria, 1960. Stunning four-tier 19" Austrian Kalmar chandelier in excellent condit...
Gold, Brass
$1,279Sale Price|25% Off
Murano Glass Pendant Light Chome Designed, Carlo Nason for Kalmar, Catena, Austr
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning chrome pendant light with Murano glass elements designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in 1960s. (Series: Catena) The pendant is composed of 18 thick M...
Brass
3-Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Crystal Glass, 1 Chandelier and 2 Wall Lights
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
We offer a amazing set of Kalmar light fixtures. The set is executed to a very high standard. By J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970. Kalmar was the most important pr...
Brass
Kalmar Ice Glass Sconce Murano Wall Lights, Austria 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in München, BY
Large textured crystal ice glass sconce or wall light by Kalmar, Austria 1960s. The sconce has an enameled metal base with a on/off string-switch which easily can be activated and ...
Metal
Pair of Huge Kalmar 'Granada' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Brass Glass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Fontana Arte, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of square and extra large 'Granada' light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). Two pairs are available. The lamps...
Brass
Large Kalmar Chandelier, Brass and Textured Glass, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
An impressive handmade and large chandeliers by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). The fixture is made of polished brass in a w...
Brass, Metal
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Glass Flush Mount Light Chandelier, 1970s, One of Three
By Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Venini, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large and fantastic "Tulipan" flush mount light fixture by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Three lights are availa...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Kalmar Chandelier Pendant Light 'Catena', Chrome Murano Glass, 1970s
By Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large and fantastic Mid-Century modern light fixture model 'Catena' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufatured in 1970s-1980s. It consists of a polished chrome frame with 30 organic and...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Large Rare Murano Ice Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s Two tiers structure gathering 12 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and in ve...
Murano Glass
1 of 4 Large Catena Ceiling Fixture Murano Glasses by Kalmar, Austria, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Massive Kalmar model "Catena" pattern flush mount chandelier, the brass backplate supporting 18 large twisted and organically curved ribbon-form pieces of foam glass. Gorgeous and dr...
Brass
Austrian Mid-Century Set of Eight Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique, beauty and stunning Set of Eight Austrian Mid-Century smoke Murano Glass Wall Sconces, model "Citrus". These sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austri...
Metal, Brass
1 of 8 Rare Murano Ice Glass Pendant lights - Ruba, by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 8 rare and striking chandeliers by Kalmar, model Ruba, produced in the 1970s. This impressive light features twelve structured Murano glass elements that beautifully refract th...
Murano Glass
1 of 2 Pairs of Kalmar Sconces Glass Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with Murano glass, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired, and...
Glass
1 of 8 Large Glass Wall Light by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful mid-century wall sconce with a large Murano glass piece, designed by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Each sconce requires two E14 small bulbs. Light bulbs ...
Murano Glass
Brass and Hand Blown Murano Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
High-end wall sconces made of blown clear and opal Murano glass on a messing hardware. Designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Minimalistic design executed with a...
Brass
Austrian Midcentury Murano Glass "Catena" Chandelier by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous, stunning and large Austrian midcentury Chandelier from 1970s, model "Catena". This chandelier was made during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar. This fixture is composed by 3...
Metal
1 of the 6 Square Glass and Brass Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the three light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1960. Each square wall light has a square brass back plate with a square milkglass on top. The...
Brass
Kalmar Blatt Chandelier, Textured Glass Nickel, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large light fixtures model 'Blatt' (Blatt is the German word for leaf) by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). 44 disc shaped ...
Nickel, Metal
1 of 2 Murano Glass Chandelier Designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, Germany, 60s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large Murano smoked glass chandelier designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar , Germay manufactured in the 1960s. The chandelier is composed of 4 thick Murano glass elements at...
Murano Glass
Wall Lamp by J. T. Kalmar for Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in KUTNO, PL
Refined form and handcrafted craftsmanship — this is SIERRA 5 WA, an iconic wall lamp designed by the Austrian brand J.T. Kalmar in the 1970s. The model consists of five solid gl...
Metal
1 of the 4 Pairs Handmade Brass and Glass Wall Lights or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Large amount of wall lights by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1960. The wall lights are handmade and high end. Each wall light has a half round wave textured gla...
Brass
Petite Tulipan Glass Pendant light by Seguso , Italy , 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass Pendant light. Several hand-blown glasses are suspended on a white-painted metal frame and chrome center rod. Best of design from the 1960s by S...
Murano Glass
1970's Kalmar Ice Crystal Glass Sconce
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Schoorl, NL
This is a stunning Kalmar ice glass crystal sconce from the 1970s. The glass looks like pure ice from a glacier and sparkles when illuminated. It is constructed of two pieces laid at...
Metal
Murano & Brass Wall Lamps by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, AVMazzega
Located in Brussel, BE
Beautiful set of two wall lamps, sconces, made of a plied piece of clear Murano glass with dark cloud (which was probably made by Mazzega’s masters), suspended to a mirror-polished b...
Metal, Brass
Murano Smoked Glass Pendant Light Citrus by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1970s. Smoked swirl ice glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light goldish amber-colored stripe in it. High quality and in very good c...
Murano Glass
1 of 3 Pairs of Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with 5 Murano glass pieces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Each fixture requires 3 x E14 standard bulbs and is...
Murano Glass
Murano Glass Chandelier Designed by Kalmar, Germany, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning Murano white clear glass chandelier designed by Kalmar, Austria manufactured in the 1960s. The chandelier is composed of 4 thick Murano glass elements attached to a brass...
Brass
1 of 2 Large Tulipan Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass chandelier. 30 hand-blown glasses suspended on a white painted metal frame. Best of design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Austria. High quality of th...
Murano Glass
One Kalmar Midcentury Brass & Textured Glass Scone Wall Light, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A single beautiful brass wall light with a lampshade made of solid textured melting ice glass with nice knobs. Manufactured by J. T. Kalmar Vienna in the 1950s. In very good conditio...
Brass
1 of 2 Sets of Large Kalmar Sconces Palmette Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic pair of mid-century wall sconces with Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Great geometrical shape. Series: Palmette ...
Metal
Colorful Ice Glass Wall Light by Kamlar Franken KG, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
The wall lamp come with 1 x E14 / E15 Edison screw fit bulb holder, is wired and in working condition. It runs both on 110/230 Volt. Delivery without bulb. Our lamps are checked, cl...
Metal
Monumental Kalmar Textured Murano Glass Tronchi Tube Chandelier Mid-Century
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Striking and sophisticated, this large-scale vintage Kalmar Tronchi tube chandelier commands attention with its sculptural presence and exquisite crafts...
Metal
Sculptural Glass and Brass Pendant with Closed Bottom Detail by Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Sculptural Kalmar glass and brass pendant with closed bottom. Glass fixture height alone is 12".
Brass
Large Kalmar Square Flushmount Murano Organic Glass, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Large square flushmount ceiling light with brass backplate and hand blown Murano glass in ice melted shape by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s. High quality o...
Brass
1 of 7 Glass Sconces Wall Lights by Carlo Nason for Kalmar Ficus, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful midcentury wall sconces with handcrafted Smoked glass pieces on a brass base, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Designed by Carlo Nason Model: Ficus ...
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Wall Lights Sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Brass Clear Milk Murano Glass, 1970s
By Fontana Arte, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of large wall lights model 'Ango' by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970. A polished brass backplate holds a clear, white or mother-of-pearl-colored angle...
Brass
Pair of Large Murano Glass Sconces by Kalmar 'Fuente', Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with ice glass, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Serie: 'Fuente' High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned...
Murano Glass
J.T. Kalmar Murano Glass Brass Sconces, Austria, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Elegant J.T. Kalmar wall sconces featuring thick white and clear swirl glass on a gilded brass base. Manufactured by the company Kalmar in Austria, Europe around 1960. Minimalistic d...
Brass
Kalmar Large "Granada" Ice Crystal Glass & Brass Flushmount Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Austrian made rare large 'Granada' model with brass hardware and ice crystal glass flush mount chandelier by Kalmar, circa 1970. Featuring eight hanging glass elements resembling ice crystals suspended from a polished brass flushmount. Perfect for any midcentury or Hollywood Regency style home and perfect as an opulent powder room light, over a dining room table or for romantic bedroom lighting...
Brass, Metal
Large Chrome Space Age Sputnik Atomium Chandelier by Cosack, Germany, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Sputnik chandelier designed by Cosack during the 1970s. Nice Space Age design. Sockets: It needs 18x E14 small bulbs. Light bulbs are not included. It is possible to in...
Chrome
1 of the 2 Pairs of Large Tulipan Wall Lamps or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar 'H 21.2'
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 pairs unique large and elegant 'Tulipan' glass wall sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or-early 1970s). Tulip shap...
Glass
Mid-Century Modern Brass Floor Lamp 'Flamingo' no. 2083 by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A beautiful brass floor lamp model 'Flamingo' no. 2083 by J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury, in 1950s or 1960s. The lights is documented in the Kalmar catalogues 1960. The bras...
Brass
1 of the 2 Kalmar 'Tulipan' Clear Glass Light Fixtures, Austria 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the two exceptional 'Tulipan' flush mount chandeliers by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna. Manufactured in the midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1960s-early 1970s). With beautiful Mura...
Metal, Brass
1 of the 8 Square Glass and Brass Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the eight small light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1960. Each square wall light has a square brass back plate with a square milk glass on t...
Brass
Smoked Glass Citrus Chandelier from J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, AVMazzega
Located in München, DE
Stunning CITRUS chandelier by Kalmar from the 1960s. The 18 beautifully shaped and heavy smoked glass elements spread an impressive sparkling play of light. High quality. Design: J....
Metal
XL frosted wall light by Kalmar, Murano glass, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful and large frosted wall light designed and produced by kalmar in austria in the 1970s. Square frosted murano glass supported by a gilded brass structure. This wall light wil...
Murano Glass
Pair of Midcentury Austrian Ice-Glass "Puck" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Stunning Austrian midcentury "Kalmar" wall sconces, model "Puck". These sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar. Each wall sconce is composed by ...
Metal
Large Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Sconce Wall Light 'PAN', Glass Nickel, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A single grand scale vintage icicle glass wall lights model 'PAN' (no. 4519) by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s...
Nickel
Murano Glass Chandelier "Tulipan" by Kalmar (B), Austria 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Chandelier "Tulipan" by Kalmar (B) Austria 1960s High-quality vintage chandelier by Kalmar featuring 41 tulip-shaped glass elements that create a soft, atmospheric light. The textur...
Metal
Kalmar Tulipan Chandelier Pendant Light, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s, 1 of 2
By Venini, Barovier, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large and fantastic light fixture model Tulipan 73 HL by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Two lights are available....
Metal
Missoni x Kalmar Vienna Adjustable Brass Tripod Table Side Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By Missoni Home, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful mid-century modern table or side lamp, crafted in the 1950s by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria. The lamp features an elegant tripod brass base and is height-adjustable from ...
Brass
Large Cubic Hollywood Regency Ice Glass Wall Light Made by Kalmar Lights, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Wall light Producer: Kalmar Franken KG, Austria Design: J.T. Kalmar Age: 1960s Original modernist large Hollywood regency glass wall light. High quality 1960s f...
Metal
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Chandelier Pendant Light, Blown Glass, 1970, One of Two
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two glass pendant chandeliers model 'Tulipan' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1...
Metal
Pair of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of two rare 'Tulipan' glass pendant chandeliers by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in Midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulipan derives fr...
Metal
1 of the 6 Glass and Brass Light Fixtures Designed by J.T Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
A stunning pair of light fixtures designed by J.T Kalmar, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria in the 1960s. High-end and handmade design from the 20th century. The square of whit...
Brass, Steel